Proposed changes to Ashfield Fire Station will be 'minimal'

A fire chief who put forward a proposal to change the way fire engines are crewed in Ashfield has said that if the changes go ahead the impact will be ‘minimal’.

Time is running out for people to have their say on the proposals to Ashfield Fire Station on Sutton Road, Kirkby.
Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service has so far received in excess of 1,600 responses during a 12-week public consultation concerning the possible introduction of two new crewing models – mixed crewing and alternative crewing.
John Buckley, Chief Fire Officer for Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue put the proposal forward.
Taking about the consultation he said: “I think its important we consult the public on the proposals I’ve put forward.
“Because it is no secret that we are facing financial pressures, and the proposals we are consulting on address those fictional pressures.
“What I am trying to do is align resources to best fit demand - and yes that also means saving money- but its also about trying to apply the best fire cover possible with the resources I have at my disposal.”
Mixed crewing would potentially see daytime crewing remain as it is currently – one wholetime and one retained appliance – with night-time fire cover provided by two retained fire engines, when demand is at its lowest.
Stations at Ashfield, Retford and Worksop are being considered for the new model which, if approved, would be introduced at two out of the three, saving around £500,000 per year, per station.
Alternative crewing would potentially involve the 16 on-call crews already in operation in Nottinghamshire.
Currently, a retained appliance is only mobilised when a team of four is available.
If approved, the new proposal would see retained crews of three being sent to smaller, lower risk incidents.
Mr Buckley said: “I think the impact will be minimal.
“It’s an absolute priority of mine to ensure the safety of communities and communities are safer now than they have ever been.
“Over the last decade we have seen a 50 per cent reduction in the number of incidents of fire - particularly in peoples homes - and its my priority to ensure that continues.”
He also said that retained fire fighters are a ‘tried and tested’ and ‘proven’ method of providing fire cover.
The results of the consultation and survey will be presented to the Combined Fire Authority in February.
For details about the proposals and survey, visit www.notts-fire.gov.uk/nfrs-news/Pages/Fire-Authority-seeks-public-view-on-proposed-changes.aspx.